The leaders of the two largest parties on Cambridge City Council have thrown their support behind their parties' general election candidates.

Cambridge Labour MP Daniel Zeichner and the Lib Dems' Julian Huppert are battling to win the city seat in a repeat of the 2015 election.

Mr Zeichner claimed victory two years ago with a slender majority of only 599 votes, defeating then incumbent Dr Huppert who had represented Cambridge since 2010.

Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner

Speaking to the News after the election announcement, Cllr Lewis Herbert, the Labour leader of Cambridge City Council, said: "We're up for a general election fight. We don't think the Government has been leading the country well on a whole range of issues.

"Both on the economy and in their rush to pursue a hard Brexit and its impact on Cambridge."

Mr Herbert said Brexit could impact on the city's interests and European partnerships in the biotech and IT sectors.

He added: "I don't think this is a necessary general election, but we welcome the opportunity. I think [the Prime Minister] misjudges the mood. I think people will want to hear from her. She has to explain why she is calling an election and what she plans to do for Cambridge."

Cambridge city council Lib Dem group leader Tim Bick (left) and Labour leader of the city council, Lewis Herbert (Image: David Johnson)

Read More

Asked about the timing of the election on June 8, just a month after county council and mayoral elections on May 4, Mr Herbert said: "She had the opportunity to have the election on the same day. The Labour Party in Cambridge is ready for an election whatever the date.

"Labour has go a very similar manifesto for this election as it had in 2015. The Government has admitted that many of our 2015 ideas were right."

Mr Herbert explained that one of the central elements of Labour Party's policies was access to affordable housing.

He rejected the Lib Dems' claims that they were the only party for voters against a 'hard Brexit'. Mr Herbert said: "We wouldn't have had a referendum if Nick Clegg hadn't supported the idea. Daniel Zeichner has been a stalwart in arguing against coming out."

"The choice that the public have is: do they want a Conservative government or a Labour government."

Mr Herbert also argued that Parliament should be given a vote on any EU exit deal Prime Minister Theresa secures with European leaders.

He admitted that the election race in Cambridge could be another "cliffhanger".

Read More

Tim Bick, Lib Dem leader on the city council, said he was surprised the Prime Minister had not called the election sooner.

He told the News: "Though it's inspired by a self confessed attempt by the Conservatives to stamp out all opposition, I welcome it as an opportunity for my party to provide that necessary opposition much better than Labour are capable of.

"On the biggest issue of our generation, Labour is muddled, weak and disunited. Britain is missing a clear, liberal internationalist voice and it will only come from the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Bick the views of the 48 percent of voters who back remain in June's EU referendum should not be excluded in the debate around the future of Brexit.

He said: "Brexit is a critical issue for us all in Cambridge. We are a city that for its livelihood needs to be open to the world. We are deeply threatened by any walking out on the largest free trade area in the world or by new restrictions on people's ability to come to work and study here, or to go elsewhere to do likewise.

"The massive local vote to remain in the EU said it all. Don't listen to anyone who tries to play it down in this election - and be suspicious of any party ready to write a blank cheque to the government over it, as Labour has."

Read More

Mr Bick said he was "optimistic" Dr Huppert could win back the Cambridge seat for his party. He added: "Because he was a brilliant MP for this city before and he can be again.

"He brought real energy and imagination to the role and an expertise which matched the city's interests and concerns. Furthermore he is clear about the future of our country in the world and not representing a party which is weak, divided and muddled."

"It was tantalisingly close two years ago when Julian narrowly lost. I have the feeling that the people of Cambridge would rather now be free of a Labour MP so tied up in internecine warfare within his own party.

"I listen to many people who are yearning for a voice and a party with clear vision on the major issue of our times - Europe. So bottom line: Julian has a great chance of winning again."

Cambridge Green Party MP candidate, Stuart Tuckwood

Stuart Tuckwood is standing as the Green Party candidate for the Cambridge seat. He previously told the News: "Cambridge is certain to suffer badly from the Government’s extreme plans for Brexit. A big majority here wanted us to remain and across the country nobody voted for the plans that have since been put forward.

"Now is our opportunity to send a powerful message from Cambridge, we will be demanding both Parliament and the people get a final say over the terms of the deal taking us out of the European Union and I’m sure that message will find huge support in the city here."

UKIP and the Conservative Party have yet to select a candidate to stand in Cambridge.